Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Technical Advisor

Job Description

Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Technical Advisor United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) * *Location: Afghanistan (Kabul) Closing date: 09 November 2006

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

Vacancy Code: 2006/GLO/AFG/14 Post Level: A3* Project: Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan Duration: 6 months, renewable

The Mine Action Programme in Afghanistan (MAPA) is operating under the responsibility of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and is executed by UNOPS.

The Mine Action Programme for Afghanistan (MAPA) includes the Mine Action Centre (MACA), five Area Mine Action Centres (AMAC), with two sub-offices and up to 16 NGOs working as implementing partners. In the absence of an indigenous national coordinating body, the MACA plans, manages and oversees all mine action activities for Afghanistan. It provides technical support and ensures the proper integration of mine action into wider humanitarian assistance programmes; the MACA also supports the development of national institutions. The responsibility for national technical management and development of EOD operations falls with Operations Department, MACA.

For additional information, see the Afghanistan section of .

Duties and Resp Duties and Responsibilities

The Technical Advisor for EOD will be responsible for the management of Explosive Ordnance Disposal as part of mine action activities for the MACA. He/she will report to the Chief of Operations. The Technical Advisor for EOD’s main focus will be assisting in the implementation of the MACA EOD management plan to ensure that EOD standards are met. The EOD Officer shall be fully familiar with the International Mine Action Standards. Under the direct supervision of the MACA Chief of Operations the Technical Adviser for EOD will work closely with the all NGO conducting EOD operations to carry out the duties:

Training

- Design and present EOD courses for national implementing partners. - Review the EOD course curricula with regard to IMAS and propose changes if required. - Propose future EOD training / action . - Monitor the implementation of the training courses in the field and recommend retraining if required.

Monitoring and Accreditation

- Visit each EOD team at least once every three months and provide a written monitoring report to the Chief of Operations. - Review all Agencies EOD SOP’s prior to accreditation and propose changes if required by . - In conjunction with TQM maintain the QM SOP for the process of EOD QA . - Continually look for areas of improvement in efficiency, effectiveness and safety in the EOD component of the program through the introduction of new technology, equipment, materials, drills, procedures and processes.

Management

- Develop and implement a capacity development plan for the national counterpart - Provide comprehensive monthly reports to the MACA Chief of Operations. - Be a member of an investigation team as requested by the MACA. - Provide an annual personal TA work plan to the Chief of Operations within one month of taking up post.

Required Competencies & Knowledge

Leadership: Proven supervisory ability and/or technical leadership. Ability to maintain effective working relations both as a team member and team leader.

Planning & Organizing: Ability to organize, plan and implement work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.

Judgment: Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given

Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Communications: Strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to advise and train users in the use of complex systems/applications and related matters and effectively prepare specifications and other written reports documentation in a clear, concise style.

Problem solving: Good analytical and problem solving skills and ability to handle a range of systems-related issues.

Commitment to Continuous Learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field of quality management.

Technological awareness: solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing and databases.

Professionalism: sound knowledge of, and exposure to, a range of mine action issues, including the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS).

Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language

Education

First level university degree in the field of social science, management, engineering or related field or equivalent military qualifications such as junior staff college or strong demonstrated experience in the field of Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

Work Experience

At least of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in explosive ordnance disposal operations (military and/or civilian) of which 3 year should have been in mine action related activities.

Languages

For the post advertised fluency in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language is an advantage.

Other Skills

Understanding of UN mine action programmes, policies, and coordination mechanisms desirable. Training in landmine and unexploded ordnance disposal techniques, as well as the application of various clearance technologies is desirable. In depth knowledge of International Mine Action Standards is required.

• This grade is indicative only. The final grade will be determined at the time of recruitment according to the candidate’s qualifications.

For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website at .

Applications:

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (), to .

Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title when applying (in the subject line by e-mail). Additional Considerations:

- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. - Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. - Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. - UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a selected candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post